Here's an idea to fix the coat access problem. Move the shelves that are on the back wall to the sidewall. Put the shoe rack on the back wall with the coats over it that way you have shelves on either side and the coats on the back with the shoes underneath. You may lose some hooks but you'll be able to see everything . Just a suggestion.
Makes the most sense. They stick out as they are and impede using the closet. Putting the shelves on the sides creates a streamlined tunnel to get to the bilier stuff at the back.
Congratulations Andy on your upcoming retirement and thank you for serving our country. 🎉 Erica, while this method made me very anxious, I was happy you made it through. I know you are still mentally and emotionally drained from your losses so the fact that you even mustered up the energy to tackle your recent decluttering projects is wonderful. Take time for you!
Thank you for showing a real space that needs decluttering. I kind of can’t relate to decluttering a kitchen drawer with 7 items to get it down to 6, but this I relate to.
Can the rollerskates not be put in the garage? Together with the protection gear for skating? I would like to have rollerskates and protection next to each other! And rollerskates would make sense in the garage. They are in the category of bikes for me!
I came here to suggest Dana’s no mess decluttering method too. It’s so great because even if you just have small chunks of time you can always make a space better and you don’t create a bigger mess by pulling everything out. I think it would make a great video if you try this method Erica.
I commend you for taking out all that stuff out if the closet. I can't declutter that way because it is just too overwhelming for me. I take items out one at a time and decide.
If it's not a definite yes, it's a no. You can't get back the money you've spent on those things, but you can stop it having an ongoing cost to your peace of mind and space in your home. Sometimes, we just need things for a season in our lives - that doesn't mean we need to keep them forever x
Sometimes, in certain seasons of life, you need to just throw stuff out & it’s ok. We all try to declutter responsibly, but other times it’s best to just get it out, especially for our mental health. The Minimal Mom keeps repeating this & I am so glad. Let’s give ourselves grace in all areas of our busy lives. 😊
That question is just the thing that made me start being really ruthless, after having decluttered most of our things. I don't want to manage it! I got rid of things I never thought I ever would, so much so that I started believing myself being an alien!! 😂
I'd try the coats on hooks and put bags in a bin, possibly on floor under the coats. It would have been overwhelming to me to look at that remaining pile and see it as all or nothing decision. Many organizers teach one item at a time decision making. I think ultimately that is what you did as you finally sat down and sorted it into trash, donate or move elsewhere. And yes, considering if excess is something we want to manage is key in all decluttering! Nice work!
Thanks for talking about the negative talk you would normally have before you start, I had that this morning. Erica you are really doing amazing with your grief and busy family life. Look at yourself as a friend and be kind, gentle, caring, compassionate and supportive. Thanks for always keeping it real. Well done on sorting the closet. Have a great week. Mary, Joes wife 🙇♀️👏👍💪🙏💐
You don't fail if you fix the problem. You fail if you just keep letting it go until someone else has to fix it for you. I'm a minimalist and while, i can't say I have the severity of the problem that you do, i can say once I'm able to get time off of work, im doing a large (well for me) declutter of all of my stuff just to feel better. No, i don't have this amount of stuff. But i do have old stuff I've replaced with better, less broken stuff. :)
One name….Dana K. White….she has a no mess organizing system. Bless your heart you just stressed yourself out even more by chucking everything out into that high pile. 😢
I find your videos very motivating, but I have never understood the point of chucking everything on the floor first. I usually pull up a table for sorting.
Hi Erica. You did a great job. I just wondered if it may help you,when you had a huge pile of crazy😂 to group like things together, to help calm the chaos. You did great, just seemed stuck for a minute. I love you and your process, i just wanted to jump in and help you😊 life happens and its just stuff, dont let it tell you something negative about yourself, you are amazing ❤
Big hugs! Mom has been gone 15 years today. You are way ahead of where I was at this point. You have built some great decluttering muscles. Stuff happens, and it takes time to find a new normal. You are doing great.
Erica, I found you through Dawn “The Minimal Mom” who really opened my mind up when she said “Think about every single item in your home as inventory and do you want to spend the time and energy maintaining that inventory.” That changed my perspective and helped me to relieve myself of a huge amount of “inventory”! Please don’t feel like a failure! Number 1 you had a very rough couple of years, and 2, LIFE! I cleaned out my 4 main closets (which are 1921 small) over the last two years and I was shocked at how much came out of them!! When I want to get rid of something that is still useful I either sell it for real cheap or offer it free! I just got rid of two arm chairs free, that were in excellent condition that I’d had for 20 years and the woman who got them was so appreciative!
Hi Erica & family! Congrats on your family's retirement!!! Thank you, Mr. Lucas for your service. Erica, I feel you w/ all of this... sh... cr... Stuff. I'm so proud of you! ❤
A REAL home with REAL ISSUES and how awesome you're brave enough to show it on camera. I have these same issues, standing thinking... Donate it trash etc!! Done things are JUST TRASH! AND I'M PROUD OF YOU! wish I could do that lol
I totally understand that overwhelming feeling. I am feeling it now with my house. I work 3 days a week and babysit grandkids (at their houses) 2 days a week. Plus I raise my 16 year old granddaughter who doesn't have a license yet so I'm always running her somewhere. My house gets neglected. My husband does very little. It always gets worse before it gets better when organizing!
I was wondering if you could declutter or reorganize something in your kitchen so you don't have "overflow" in another area, keeping it all together? Also there's a lot of space between the shelve boards (is that what they're called?), you could get more and therefore have more storage space? Hope this is helpful and not discouraging. All the best!
Question???? Why not store the kids skates in the garage ??? Makes a little more sense since they are an outdoor “toy” - plus would free up more space for you💚. I’m a minimalist who loves with a passion to organize. I too have 3 kids so I understand kid “clutter” but we do organize all their sports equipment & outdoor toys neatly in the garage so they can access them easily.
Stuff gets into homes because we haul it in or because we allow it in. We have become very good at saying no to hand-me-downs, and we set ourselves a VERY small budget for items that are not daily necessities. That makes impulse buying pretty much impossible and keeps clutter at bay.
You sighed when you said how many coats you and Andy have. So if you think you might have too many you could try quarantining some of them like the minimal mom suggests to see if you both use/need all of them
Hi Erica, I'm wondering if the flow would be better if the coats and your wooden shoe shelf were on the back wall and the sporting gear shelf could go where your husband's coats are? Maybe the bag hooks could be 2 high (stacked so to speak) and closer together so they take up less space? I totally hear ya about coats feeling in the way. They take up so much space. 🥴
Maybe try putting shelves where you have your hooks & shoes. Hang coats on back wall rack & put shoe shelve under coats. Then re hang hooks if you still need them. Just a thought luv ya ❤
I am Decluttering. The questions you ask has helped me, I ask myself the same questions and it makes the decisions so much easier and faster. Please continue this series of Decluttering small areas. Oh, and what a lovely surprise to have this on a lazy Sunday morning to lay in bed and watch and learn!
That was great - the fact you referenced Andy's upcoming retirement made me think you're probably moving at some point and this type of project will help make that process easier. Don't keep what you don't want to manage, fabulous!
Hi Erica, I'm watching your videos already sometime and I like your style. I could understand your question "do I want to deal with the stuff, do I want to organize it?" In the beginning of the year, I decided to, that I like to spend more time for myself. I'm on a journey to let go. It's good to have the feeling of sharing similar experiences and emotions. Thanks 🙏🏼 from Germany
When you first start declutterring it’s an horrendous job. So many decisions. As you whittle the stuff down it gets so much easier. I’ve realised that I don’t need six lots of bedding for each bed. I don’t need 6 bath towels per person. I don’t need a mountain of cleaning products. It’s taken me over a year and I’m finally there. So much stuff has gone. I struggled with the fact that I’d paid for it. I had to let it go and think about the person who’d get it who’d love it and the money it would raise for charity. That helped me massively. I’ve stopped buying things mindlessly. That is what makes the massive difference in my home. Good luck to everyone on their journey.😊
LOL... I Adore when you threw everything out into the hall! I will be grinning about that for a long time and I shall try it toooooo. Yay, You, Erica !!! 😊
May I first give you kudos for where you are now in your life of decluttering?? I watched you during covid in your early struggle with boxes upon boxes - and frankly, this closet was nothing to what you cleared out then. Your accomplishments is extraordinary!! Now my suggestion to future Erica when tackling this kind of organization problem: Plan for where stuff will go when you go in to pull it out. Typical Erica started with a garbage bag, and some boxes to rough sort as you clear out the closet. I missed her in this video :) What a wonderful homemaker/teacher/wife/mother you are!! Thanks for all the videos.
I can tell you from a recovering hoarder, when you pull the stuff out, even if you know it's not staying in the closet or is going back in, try to put like things together as you take them out of the closet. It's not so overwhelming and easier when a group of items has a home somewhere else in your home. You grab the group and move it to where it goes. Not so overwhelming.
Great job decluttering. Love the idea of starting with the ideal purpose for that space and working from there. Glad you talked yourself out of feeling guilty as a homemaker …. You don’t own everything in that closet and the responsibility for the state of that closet should be shared. You’re doing amazing. Bouquets to Erica!!
You have a busy household and children, don't beat yourself up! On top of it all, grief is still very real. One thing that I have realized decluttering, is that if I say: "I will just put it in the garage...." then it's time it goes permanently. Recycled or rehomed, it goes! The garage is the last frontier for stuff and once it is there unless it's outdoor gear, it needs to find a new permanent home away from our own. Don't keep stuff you are not going to use. Let it go and be done and free with it. My dog used to stare at me as I shifted stuff in the garage and I realized that this was a problem!
Erica, you show that you are human in these decluttering episodes. The fact that you keep going and work through the problems show great problem solving skills. Thank you for the encouragement! ❤❤❤
You are exactly right. And it’s just stuff to relocate. Grief is so tricky too. I had this thought: when you were talking at least it’s not medical equipment or something like that due to illness or health issues!! ❤❤. Grace is so correct! Another thought I’m sure you have heard-if you can replace it up to $20 just get rid. It’s easy to replace.
You did an awesome job. I think this will really help me get my basement back in order to visualize what I want the space to be and ask if I really want to manage the rest in my future. I have many a times stood there for 30 minutes or more just thinking and staring into the overwhelm and went back upstairs after doing nothing. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one!!!
Tip: rearrange the shelves on the back sports shelf. You can buy extra shelves online. That will give you more room for more bins or even long flat totes with no lids to fold coats on or put some of the hanging bags on to make room for the coats on the hooks. As it is now, there is a lot of wasted space on that shelf. ❤
You did such a good job! Oh, u could move that black shelf off the back wall and place it on the hook wall. You would have to move Andy and your hooks to the back wall since the coats wouldn’t take up all the space.
Your shirt is beautiful! You made me laugh with the fish face/goggles shot. You did it! For now... I know you will refine this closet in the future but getting rid of all that excess was a victory. 🌻🍄
Good for you. You are definitely not alone in this journey. We all have to give ourselves grace. We would not want to hear negative comments from a friend so we should represent and not give those messages to ourselves. Shut down negative messages and support ourselves as we would support our best friend.
Pretty shirt! Is it new? Love the flutter sleeves! Looks good on you! I have my craft room that I can't walk around in because of all the stuff I pulled out for Christmas or took down for Christmas and had to store somewhere until after Christmas but it's on my to do list. I feel so behind this year.
I am so envy on how big your closets are. I only have small bedroom closets and two small linen closets. I would love a coat closet but really have no where to have one. You are doing a great job!
That move while wearing the Ironman mask made me laugh! You did a great job. I have the same two roadblocks. Donating usable items helps me resolve the issue of having spent money on an item. What if I need it? Was really tough to start with but now that I'm a year into my decluttering journey, I know that it RARELY happens.
Well done Erica 👍 Being kind and understanding with yourself 😊 Building on what Brandon did, as there are two ends on one hook, maybe try one kid one hook for coat and backpack? Or hang all the hanging items at the back so they are not in your way as you walk in? Grouping items like with like helps with function of space. Making one area for one category for example could the vacuum go further up beside the other brooms etc. Could all the dog items be on one or two shelves beside each other. Could the kitchen items be in one place. I think you'll get where I'm going with this! I understand the need for making it easy to use. Good to view and use it as a seasonal space. If possible keep behind doors clear. This is just something I've found helps, by being able to get into a space freely. 😊
Thank you so much for all your videos and for being honest about how grief is hard. I lost my father last month and I can relate. Take care of yourself and your family ❤
I think you so clearly show the roadblocks, pauses, hesitations, and thinking that goes on when getting through a space that's been used as a storage area for everyone for months or even years. I love that about your videos. I also love the good advice - treat yourself with grace - treat yourself with gentleness - be forgiving - very wise words. Also, have a plan for desired outcome going in!
Yes, give yourself grace. I consider myself as a great declutterer but when I was married with 1 child and working…. My goodness there’s only so much time. You have a busy life, it’s ok momma. Only thing I can suggest is, when you touch an item you don’t want/need get rid of it that very moment. That may mean having donating boxes around the house but it makes things easier. Keep it up, you’re awesome!
I always love the way you talk through it. even though i'm old and live alone, i struggled. but watching you has helped me. i still have things to go, but not forcing things i'm not ready to be rid of. This year I 1/2ed the amount of christmas decor & after that made the decision to donate 98 % of last drawer because i just dont want to manage it anymore. thank you. may you and your family have a blessed 2024. 🙏💗🤗🐶
Again, another great job! You have had a rough year, and you have so much responsibility that has to be faced. A messy closet? Hardly a thing to beat yourself up over!
That mess is too overwhelming. I would recommend sorting into piles instead of just throwing in one big jumble. It might feel good to throw, but the mess isn't worth it.
Have kiddos can put away their stuff. Your questions are SO CRITICAL to ask ourselves and help to reduce the stuff we have. Baskets on the stairs for each person to take up can be helpful!! Great work!
Well done for pushing through and getting it done. It's so hard when you're faced with a big project to get sorted, so you should be proud of yourself xxxc❤
Erica ...its your "Monika closet" we all have one of sorts!... better a small closet, than a whole room! ... think back, look at your own videos from when you started your channel and that old basement full to the ceiling... that was an Elephant size mess, your cupboard is a flee on a mouse size mess in comparison!... remember that and say to yourself "well done! I have come so far! This takes a few hours to get back to normal... not months or years like before!"
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Here's an idea to fix the coat access problem. Move the shelves that are on the back wall to the sidewall. Put the shoe rack on the back wall with the coats over it that way you have shelves on either side and the coats on the back with the shoes underneath. You may lose some hooks but you'll be able to see everything . Just a suggestion.
This is the best of all of the suggestions!🙌🏻
I agree with this suggestion
Exactly what I was thinking as well :)
Same thoughts
Makes the most sense. They stick out as they are and impede using the closet. Putting the shelves on the sides creates a streamlined tunnel to get to the bilier stuff at the back.
I love that you are real with getting overwhelmed and how you process getting past it. I am always happy to see your videos pop up.
Thanks for sharing time with me today!
Congratulations Andy on your upcoming retirement and thank you for serving our country. 🎉
Erica, while this method made me very anxious, I was happy you made it through. I know you are still mentally and emotionally drained from your losses so the fact that you even mustered up the energy to tackle your recent decluttering projects is wonderful. Take time for you!
Thank you for showing a real space that needs decluttering. I kind of can’t relate to decluttering a kitchen drawer with 7 items to get it down to 6, but this I relate to.
Thanks for being here!
Can the rollerskates not be put in the garage? Together with the protection gear for skating? I would like to have rollerskates and protection next to each other! And rollerskates would make sense in the garage. They are in the category of bikes for me!
Dana K White's no mess decluttering method helps with the overwhelm as you don't pull out everything at once.
I would love to see you try this method, Erica. Maybe the next time you declutter this closet.
Also the "touch it once" method.
I came here to suggest Dana’s no mess decluttering method too. It’s so great because even if you just have small chunks of time you can always make a space better and you don’t create a bigger mess by pulling everything out. I think it would make a great video if you try this method Erica.
I commend you for taking out all that stuff out if the closet. I can't declutter that way because it is just too overwhelming for me. I take items out one at a time and decide.
If it's not a definite yes, it's a no. You can't get back the money you've spent on those things, but you can stop it having an ongoing cost to your peace of mind and space in your home. Sometimes, we just need things for a season in our lives - that doesn't mean we need to keep them forever x
Giving yourself grace is so important.
Sometimes, in certain seasons of life, you need to just throw stuff out & it’s ok. We all try to declutter responsibly, but other times it’s best to just get it out, especially for our mental health. The Minimal Mom keeps repeating this & I am so glad. Let’s give ourselves grace in all areas of our busy lives. 😊
Yes Dawn helped me massively too. Got rid of the guilt. I just make sure I don’t overbuy stuff again now too. That was half my problem 😅
A 5-minute pick-up would help so it doesn't get this way again. Kids are teachable to put their things away.
That question is just the thing that made me start being really ruthless, after having decluttered most of our things. I don't want to manage it! I got rid of things I never thought I ever would, so much so that I started believing myself being an alien!! 😂
I'd try the coats on hooks and put bags in a bin, possibly on floor under the coats. It would have been overwhelming to me to look at that remaining pile and see it as all or nothing decision. Many organizers teach one item at a time decision making. I think ultimately that is what you did as you finally sat down and sorted it into trash, donate or move elsewhere. And yes, considering if excess is something we want to manage is key in all decluttering! Nice work!
Thanks for talking about the negative talk you would normally have before you start, I had that this morning. Erica you are really doing amazing with your grief and busy family life. Look at yourself as a friend and be kind, gentle, caring, compassionate and supportive. Thanks for always keeping it real. Well done on sorting the closet. Have a great week. Mary, Joes wife 🙇♀️👏👍💪🙏💐
You don't fail if you fix the problem. You fail if you just keep letting it go until someone else has to fix it for you.
I'm a minimalist and while, i can't say I have the severity of the problem that you do, i can say once I'm able to get time off of work, im doing a large (well for me) declutter of all of my stuff just to feel better. No, i don't have this amount of stuff. But i do have old stuff I've replaced with better, less broken stuff. :)
One name….Dana K. White….she has a no mess organizing system. Bless your heart you just stressed yourself out even more by chucking everything out into that high pile. 😢
As Americans we honestly have to much stuff.
I find your videos very motivating, but I have never understood the point of chucking everything on the floor first. I usually pull up a table for sorting.
Hi Erica. You did a great job. I just wondered if it may help you,when you had a huge pile of crazy😂 to group like things together, to help calm the chaos. You did great, just seemed stuck for a minute. I love you and your process, i just wanted to jump in and help you😊 life happens and its just stuff, dont let it tell you something negative about yourself, you are amazing ❤
Big hugs! Mom has been gone 15 years today. You are way ahead of where I was at this point. You have built some great decluttering muscles. Stuff happens, and it takes time to find a new normal. You are doing great.
Erica, I found you through Dawn “The Minimal Mom” who really opened my mind up when she said “Think about every single item in your home as inventory and do you want to spend the time and energy maintaining that inventory.” That changed my perspective and helped me to relieve myself of a huge amount of “inventory”! Please don’t feel like a failure! Number 1 you had a very rough couple of years, and 2, LIFE! I cleaned out my 4 main closets (which are 1921 small) over the last two years and I was shocked at how much came out of them!!
When I want to get rid of something that is still useful I either sell it for real cheap or offer it free! I just got rid of two arm chairs free, that were in excellent condition that I’d had for 20 years and the woman who got them was so appreciative!
Hi Erica & family! Congrats on your family's retirement!!! Thank you, Mr. Lucas for your service.
Erica, I feel you w/ all of this... sh... cr... Stuff. I'm so proud of you! ❤
A REAL home with REAL ISSUES and how awesome you're brave enough to show it on camera. I have these same issues, standing thinking... Donate it trash etc!! Done things are JUST TRASH! AND I'M PROUD OF YOU! wish I could do that lol
I totally understand that overwhelming feeling. I am feeling it now with my house. I work 3 days a week and babysit grandkids (at their houses) 2 days a week. Plus I raise my 16 year old granddaughter who doesn't have a license yet so I'm always running her somewhere. My house gets neglected. My husband does very little. It always gets worse before it gets better when organizing!
I was wondering if you could declutter or reorganize something in your kitchen so you don't have "overflow" in another area, keeping it all together? Also there's a lot of space between the shelve boards (is that what they're called?), you could get more and therefore have more storage space? Hope this is helpful and not discouraging. All the best!
Question???? Why not store the kids skates in the garage ??? Makes a little more sense since they are an outdoor “toy” - plus would free up more space for you💚. I’m a minimalist who loves with a passion to organize. I too have 3 kids so I understand kid “clutter” but we do organize all their sports equipment & outdoor toys neatly in the garage so they can access them easily.
Sorry for the overwhelm. You are doing a great job and I appreciate your videos!
Stuff gets into homes because we haul it in or because we allow it in. We have become very good at saying no to hand-me-downs, and we set ourselves a VERY small budget for items that are not daily necessities. That makes impulse buying pretty much impossible and keeps clutter at bay.
Bless your husband's service..and you for being a military wife !
Thanks!
You sighed when you said how many coats you and Andy have. So if you think you might have too many you could try quarantining some of them like the minimal mom suggests to see if you both use/need all of them
Hi Erica, I'm wondering if the flow would be better if the coats and your wooden shoe shelf were on the back wall and the sporting gear shelf could go where your husband's coats are? Maybe the bag hooks could be 2 high (stacked so to speak) and closer together so they take up less space? I totally hear ya about coats feeling in the way. They take up so much space. 🥴
Maybe try moving the shoes to the back wall with the coats above. Put two shorter shelves below the backpacks.
Great video. You’re always inspirational. As Cas from Clutterbug says about decluttering, “If it’s not a clear yes, it’s a no.” 😊
Maybe try putting shelves where you have your hooks & shoes. Hang coats on back wall rack & put shoe shelve under coats. Then re hang hooks if you still need them. Just a thought luv ya ❤
It amazing how many “invisible” friends we have thru channels like this. ❤🌸
Put shelving unit where shoe rack is. Hang all coats in back of closet with the shoes underneath.
Hang all book bags and lunch bags on one wall.
I am Decluttering. The questions you ask has helped me, I ask myself the same questions and it makes the decisions so much easier and faster. Please continue this series of Decluttering small areas. Oh, and what a lovely surprise to have this on a lazy Sunday morning to lay in bed and watch and learn!
That was great - the fact you referenced Andy's upcoming retirement made me think you're probably moving at some point and this type of project will help make that process easier. Don't keep what you don't want to manage, fabulous!
Hi Erica, I'm watching your videos already sometime and I like your style.
I could understand your question "do I want to deal with the stuff, do I want to organize it?"
In the beginning of the year, I decided to, that I like to spend more time for myself. I'm on a journey to let go.
It's good to have the feeling of sharing similar experiences and emotions.
Thanks 🙏🏼 from Germany
Those are some very cute furry supervisors. 🐶🐕
I love how you just threw everything out into the hall. Now, that’s my kind of decluttering.
When you first start declutterring it’s an horrendous job. So many decisions. As you whittle the stuff down it gets so much easier. I’ve realised that I don’t need six lots of bedding for each bed. I don’t need 6 bath towels per person. I don’t need a mountain of cleaning products. It’s taken me over a year and I’m finally there. So much stuff has gone. I struggled with the fact that I’d paid for it. I had to let it go and think about the person who’d get it who’d love it and the money it would raise for charity. That helped me massively. I’ve stopped buying things mindlessly. That is what makes the massive difference in my home. Good luck to everyone on their journey.😊
LOL... I Adore when you threw everything out into the hall! I will be grinning about that for a long time and I shall try it toooooo. Yay, You, Erica !!! 😊
May I first give you kudos for where you are now in your life of decluttering?? I watched you during covid in your early struggle with boxes upon boxes - and frankly, this closet was nothing to what you cleared out then. Your accomplishments is extraordinary!! Now my suggestion to future Erica when tackling this kind of organization problem: Plan for where stuff will go when you go in to pull it out. Typical Erica started with a garbage bag, and some boxes to rough sort as you clear out the closet. I missed her in this video :) What a wonderful homemaker/teacher/wife/mother you are!! Thanks for all the videos.
Great job all around 👏😃 thank your husband for his service too
I can tell you from a recovering hoarder, when you pull the stuff out, even if you know it's not staying in the closet or is going back in, try to put like things together as you take them out of the closet. It's not so overwhelming and easier when a group of items has a home somewhere else in your home. You grab the group and move it to where it goes. Not so overwhelming.
Dawn from the minimal mom gives you permission to chuck it all in a trash bag and put it out for garbage. Just saying. You have permission from Dawn ❤
Great job decluttering. Love the idea of starting with the ideal purpose for that space and working from there. Glad you talked yourself out of feeling guilty as a homemaker …. You don’t own everything in that closet and the responsibility for the state of that closet should be shared. You’re doing amazing. Bouquets to Erica!!
You have a busy household and children, don't beat yourself up! On top of it all, grief is still very real. One thing that I have realized decluttering, is that if I say: "I will just put it in the garage...." then it's time it goes permanently. Recycled or rehomed, it goes! The garage is the last frontier for stuff and once it is there unless it's outdoor gear, it needs to find a new permanent home away from our own. Don't keep stuff you are not going to use. Let it go and be done and free with it. My dog used to stare at me as I shifted stuff in the garage and I realized that this was a problem!
I got rid of 97/98% of our stuff and wow i don´t miss it and i love my empty spaces .... you are doing great keep going
And YES! My basement especially got really out of hand--it happens.
Erica, you show that you are human in these decluttering episodes. The fact that you keep going and work through the problems show great problem solving skills. Thank you for the encouragement! ❤❤❤
You are exactly right. And it’s just stuff to relocate. Grief is so tricky too.
I had this thought: when you were talking at least it’s not medical equipment or something like that due to illness or health issues!! ❤❤. Grace is so correct! Another thought I’m sure you have heard-if you can replace it up to $20 just get rid. It’s easy to replace.
You did an awesome job. I think this will really help me get my basement back in order to visualize what I want the space to be and ask if I really want to manage the rest in my future. I have many a times stood there for 30 minutes or more just thinking and staring into the overwhelm and went back upstairs after doing nothing. I’m glad to know I’m not the only one!!!
You go girl ❤way to focus on the Truth🎉❤ on all of our blessings 🙌 🙏 ✨️ ❤️
Tip: rearrange the shelves on the back sports shelf. You can buy extra shelves online. That will give you more room for more bins or even long flat totes with no lids to fold coats on or put some of the hanging bags on to make room for the coats on the hooks. As it is now, there is a lot of wasted space on that shelf. ❤
Thanks!
Dont forget you have the closet which is just a junk closet atm!
Can you move the hooks for the bags above your shoe rack, and then your coats can be hung where your bags were?
We all do our best…..and have a dumping ground somewhere in the home. 😃
May the Peace of Christ be with you sister. You are loved!!
You did such a good job! Oh, u could move that black shelf off the back wall and place it on the hook wall. You would have to move Andy and your hooks to the back wall since the coats wouldn’t take up all the space.
Your shirt is beautiful! You made me laugh with the fish face/goggles shot. You did it! For now... I know you will refine this closet in the future but getting rid of all that excess was a victory. 🌻🍄
Puts kids shoes in their room except for most recently worn
DON'T be so hard on yourself❤
Good for you. You are definitely not alone in this journey. We all have to give ourselves grace. We would not want to hear negative comments from a friend so we should represent and not give those messages to ourselves. Shut down negative messages and support ourselves as we would support our best friend.
Perhaps move two of the backpack hooks below the other two to free up hanging space for the coats
Pretty shirt! Is it new? Love the flutter sleeves! Looks good on you! I have my craft room that I can't walk around in because of all the stuff I pulled out for Christmas or took down for Christmas and had to store somewhere until after Christmas but it's on my to do list. I feel so behind this year.
I liked your process of elimination this round. Good job!
I am so envy on how big your closets are. I only have small bedroom closets and two small linen closets. I would love a coat closet but really have no where to have one. You are doing a great job!
This is a great video. Love the second question. That is such a helpful perspective. Thanks!
Come on!! Try maintenance! Get your kids involved. You have been through this sooooo many times. You have places for everything put back as you go
Good job of cleaning it out!! Now it is so much calmer!!
You are amazing! Thank you for sharing. It's so helpful to hear you think through the process and make very rational decisions that work for you!
You have helped me let go of things way easier than before. I find you very calming and you’re a great Momma too. ❤
That move while wearing the Ironman mask made me laugh! You did a great job. I have the same two roadblocks. Donating usable items helps me resolve the issue of having spent money on an item. What if I need it? Was really tough to start with but now that I'm a year into my decluttering journey, I know that it RARELY happens.
On my way to church. Now I am super motivated to do a couple real problem areas knowing I probably won't be by the time I get home.... 😅
Awesome!
This is real life. Thanks for helping us see this is normal. We can all do this 🎉🎉
Well done Erica 👍 Being kind and understanding with yourself 😊 Building on what Brandon did, as there are two ends on one hook, maybe try one kid one hook for coat and backpack? Or hang all the hanging items at the back so they are not in your way as you walk in? Grouping items like with like helps with function of space. Making one area for one category for example could the vacuum go further up beside the other brooms etc. Could all the dog items be on one or two shelves beside each other. Could the kitchen items be in one place. I think you'll get where I'm going with this! I understand the need for making it easy to use. Good to view and use it as a seasonal space. If possible keep behind doors clear. This is just something I've found helps, by being able to get into a space freely. 😊
Just wanted to say I love your channel, thank you for being real.
Thank you so much for all your videos and for being honest about how grief is hard. I lost my father last month and I can relate. Take care of yourself and your family ❤
I think you so clearly show the roadblocks, pauses, hesitations, and thinking that goes on when getting through a space that's been used as a storage area for everyone for months or even years. I love that about your videos. I also love the good advice - treat yourself with grace - treat yourself with gentleness - be forgiving - very wise words. Also, have a plan for desired outcome going in!
Just a suggestion. Can the ice skates and roller skates go in the garage? That might help.
Very good job.
Yes, give yourself grace. I consider myself as a great declutterer but when I was married with 1 child and working…. My goodness there’s only so much time. You have a busy life, it’s ok momma. Only thing I can suggest is, when you touch an item you don’t want/need get rid of it that very moment. That may mean having donating boxes around the house but it makes things easier. Keep it up, you’re awesome!
EXCELLENT job! Those questions are so powerful
I love how you just fling stuff 😂
I always love the way you talk through it. even though i'm old and live alone, i struggled. but watching you has helped me. i still have things to go, but not forcing things i'm not ready to be rid of. This year I 1/2ed the amount of christmas decor & after that made the decision to donate 98 % of last drawer because i just dont want to manage it anymore. thank you. may you and your family have a blessed 2024. 🙏💗🤗🐶
Great video and excellent job done! ❤🎉
Yay to Andy retiring soon!!
Again, another great job! You have had a rough year, and you have so much responsibility that has to be faced. A messy closet? Hardly a thing to beat yourself up over!
That mess is too overwhelming. I would recommend sorting into piles instead of just throwing in one big jumble. It might feel good to throw, but the mess isn't worth it.
Yes. What did those coats ever do to you :-) Treat your possessions with respect.
Maybe hang the coats by the door and hang the backpacks on the closet rack with carabiners. Great video!
Have kiddos can put away their stuff. Your questions are SO CRITICAL to ask ourselves and help to reduce the stuff we have. Baskets on the stairs for each person to take up can be helpful!! Great work!
Well done for pushing through and getting it done. It's so hard when you're faced with a big project to get sorted, so you should be proud of yourself xxxc❤
Great video and awesome job on the closet.
Good job!
Another wonderful authentic journey! Thank you for taking us with you!! ❤
I have an idea removed and locate the beg hook a little lower.. then put the coat at the railing above the beg..
Great job. It's easy to get stuck, but you worked through it.
Erica ...its your "Monika closet" we all have one of sorts!... better a small closet, than a whole room! ... think back, look at your own videos from when you started your channel and that old basement full to the ceiling... that was an Elephant size mess, your cupboard is a flee on a mouse size mess in comparison!... remember that and say to yourself "well done! I have come so far! This takes a few hours to get back to normal... not months or years like before!"